Nigeria’s petroleum regulator says the country has enough aviation fuel to meet demand for about 74 days, even as airlines and fuel traders disagree over the sharp rise in prices.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) made the clarification following concerns from airline operators over the cost of Jet A1, the fuel used by aircraft. The operators had warned that soaring prices could disrupt flight services.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) recently claimed that aviation fuel prices had jumped significantly, rising from about ₦900 per litre in late February to as high as ₦3,300 per litre, raising fears of possible operational shutdowns.

However, the NMDPRA rejected the extreme pricing figure, saying its monitoring shows a different market situation. The agency explained that Nigeria currently holds a combined 74 days of aviation fuel supply, made up of inland stock and refinery reserves.

It said inland storage accounts for about 12 days of supply, while refinery-linked stock provides around 62 days, ensuring overall stability in availability.

The regulator also noted that aviation fuel prices are no longer fixed, as the product has been fully deregulated and is now influenced by market forces.
According to its latest data, depot prices from major suppliers are slightly below international benchmarks, while retail prices across the country currently range between ₦1,960 and ₦2,800 per litre.

The agency dismissed claims of ₦3,300 per litre as inconsistent with its nationwide findings, adding that it will continue to monitor supply chains and pricing to prevent scarcity and unfair practices in the sector.